Use of light transmission through tissue to sense joint flexure

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods of using light transmission thought living tissue, such as a finger, to detect the flexure of a joint. Light is introduced into the tissue at one point, passes through the tissue, and exits the tissue at a second point where a sensor receives the light as it exits the tissue. Transmission of light through living tissue such as a finger can be affected by movement of the finger. As the finger flexes and, for example, the joints of the finger change angle, the characteristics of the light exiting the tissue, such as the intensity of the light, can change. These changes in characteristics can be used as an indirect means of determining the flexure of the joint.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/633,442, filed Jun. 26, 2017, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/076,160, filed Nov. 8, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.9,743,860, granted Aug. 29, 2017 and entitled “USE OF LIGHT TRANSMISSIONTHROUGH TISSUE TO SENSE JOINT FLEXURE” which applications areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates to detecting the flexure of joints andthe use of light transmission and reception through living tissue.

BACKGROUND

Data gloves are computer interface devices which characterize the poseand configuration of a human hand. This enables gesture recognition,motion capture, robotic control, data entry, and other functions. Forexample, a user can operate a computer or other device by makinggestures without physical contact. Data gloves and other applicationsneed to measure joint angles.

Existing solutions for measuring joint angles often rely on thin filmsand compressible fibers/sensors, which are delicate. When used in a dataglove application, the thin films and sensors are subject to mechanicalwear due to the user's hand movements. Being delicate, the thin filmsand sensors are susceptible to failure due to this mechanical wear. Itis desirable to determine the angle of a joint with devices that aresufficiently robust to withstand the mechanical wear brought on by usagein data glove applications.

Some applications require the measure of joint angles in harshenvironments. For example, an application may measure joint angles withthe joint immersed in water. It is desirable that devices fordetermining joint angle be sufficiently robust to work reliably in harshenvironments.

SUMMARY

Transmission of light through living tissue, such as a finger, can beaffected by movement of the finger. Flexure of a finger, such as canhappen when alternating between opening a hand and then making a fist,changes the position of the finger and deforms the tissue. Movement of ajoint of a finger also changes the angle of the top of the finger oneither side of the joint. For example, when a finger is straight, thetop of the finger runs parallel on both sides of the joint. As a personbends his or her finger, an angle develops between the top of the fingeron either side of the joint. If a person fully bends his or her finger,an angle of approximately 90 degrees is formed between the top of thefinger on either side of the joint. One method of determining flexure ofa joint is to determine the angle of a joint. As one having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate, determining flexure of a joint can bedone using methods other than determining the angle of the joint.

A light emitter can be placed on top of the finger on one side of thejoint and can send light into the finger at a 45 degree angle towardsthe joint. A light sensor can be placed on the top of the finger on theother side of the joint, the light sensor configured so that it receiveslight coming from a 45 degree angle towards the joint. When the fingeris straightened and held parallel to the ground, the emitter emits lightat a 45 degree angle and sends the light into the finger, and much ofthe light exits the bottom of the finger approximately under the joint.Resultantly, the sensor does not detect much light. When the finger isbent to approximately 90 degrees, the emitter emits and sends light thatis now approximately parallel to the light that is received by thesensor. Resultantly, there is a significant increase in the amount oflight detected by the sensor. This change in the intensity of the lightas detected by the sensor can be used as an indirect way to determinethe joint flexure of the finger.

Further, as the finger flexes and the joints of the finger change angle,the characteristics of tissue between two points on the skin can change,which can change the transmission of light between these two points. Forexample, the compression of the tissue can change, and, since thecompression of tissue affects the transmission of light through thetissue, the light transmission between the two points can be affected.As another example, the tissue can deform, changing the distance andamount of tissue between the two points, which also affects transmissionof light between the two points. These changes in characteristics andthe associated changes in light transmission can be used as an indirectmeans of determining the angle of the joint.

The disclosed technology can provide an alternative to electromechanicalmethods that use wires which are susceptible to wear induced failurewith repeated flexing. A flexible medium, such as optical fiber, can beused to send the light. Replacing the wires of the electromechanicalmethod with such a medium can enable higher reliability and improvedrobustness. For example, this replacement of the wires can enablelocating all electronics in a sealed container where the electronics canbe protected from the environment. Additionally, a flexible medium forsending light can be less susceptible to failures due to repeatedflexing as compared to wires, and does not have to beelectromagnetically shielded.

Furthermore, since the light can be sent over the clear medium, thesealed container containing the electronics can be located away from thejoint. For example, the electronics container can be placed on the backof the hand or even further up the arm away from the finger joint. Thiscan enable improved performance in harsh environments, as theelectronics can be kept away and protected from the harsh environment.

The disclosed technology enables the determination of flexure of a jointin living tissue. Some embodiments include a light source, a lightsensing device, a processing device, and a supporting object. Light fromthe light source is introduced into the living tissue. The light sensingdevice is configured to sense the light exiting the living tissue. Theprocessing device is configured to determine the flexure of the jointbased at least in part on one or more characteristics of the lightexiting the living tissue. The supporting object is to providemechanical support for at least a portion of the apparatus. Someembodiments further include a first optical fiber and a second opticalfiber. The first optical fiber is configured to send the light from thelight source to a point of introduction of the light into the livingtissue. The second optical fiber configured to send the light from apoint of exit of the light from the living tissue to the light sensingdevice.

In some embodiments, the supporting object is a glove configured to beworn by a human hand and the living tissue comprises the human hand. Theportion of the apparatus for which the glove provides the mechanicalsupport is at least the first optical fiber and the second opticalfiber. In some embodiments, the light source is configured to be locatedat a point of introduction of the light into the living tissue. In someembodiments, the light sensing device is configured to be located at apoint of exit of the light from the living tissue. In some embodiments,the supporting object is a glove configured to be worn by a human handand the living tissue comprises the human hand. The portion of theapparatus for which the glove is configured to provide the mechanicalsupport is at least the light source and the light sensing device.

In some embodiments, the supporting object is a body suit configured tobe worn by a human and the living tissue comprises the body of thehuman. In some embodiments, the one or more characteristics include anintensity of the light exiting the living tissue. In some embodiments,the light source generates infrared-spectrum light and the light sensingdevice senses infrared-spectrum light. In some embodiments, the lightsource is a light-emitting diode. In some embodiments, the light sourceis an infrared-spectrum light-emitting diode. In some embodiment, theconfiguration of the processing device to determine the flexure furtherincludes configuration to determine an angle of the joint.

Flexure of a joint in living tissue can be determined using a method.Light can be introduced into the living tissue and can be receivedexiting the living tissue. Flexure of the joint can be determined basedat least in part on one or more characteristics of the received light.In some embodiments, the light introduced into the living tissue isgenerated by a light source, and the light exiting the living tissue isreceived by a light sensing device. In some embodiments, the lightintroduced into the living tissue is sent from the light source to apoint of introduction of the light into the living tissue by a firstoptical fiber. The light received by the light sensing device is sentfrom a point of exit of the light from the living tissue to the lightsensing device by a second optical fiber.

The method for determining the flexure of the joint can further comprisecalibration of an apparatus based at least in part on the one or morecharacteristics of the light exiting the living tissue. In someembodiments, the one or more characteristics includes an intensity ofthe light. In some embodiments, the calibration, when the joint is partof an appendage, can further comprise sensing a first light level whilethe appendage is in a straightened position, sensing a second lightlevel while the appendage is in a bent position, and computing acorrelation between the flexure of the joint and the received light, thecomputed light level based at least in part on the sensed first lightlevel and the sensed second light level.

In some embodiments, the calibration can further comprise sensing anambient light level while the light generation device is not generatingany light, and the computing the correlation can further be based atleast in part on the sensed ambient light. In some embodiments, thecalibration can further comprise sensing an intermediate light levelwhile the appendage is in a position between the straightened positionand the bent position, and the computing the correlation can further bebased at least in part on the sensed intermediate light level. In someembodiments, the determining the flexure of the joint can furthercomprise computing the angle of the joint based at least in part on thecomputed correlation. In some embodiments, the appendage is an arm of ahuman and the appendage is straightened when the arm is extended abovethe head of the human. The arm is bent when the arm is lowered from thestraightened position. In some embodiments, the determining the flexureof the joint further includes determining an angle of the joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described and explainedthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for determining an angle of a joint in afinger, shown with the finger straightened;

FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus for determining an angle of a joint in afinger, shown with the finger bent;

FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus for determining an angle of multiplejoints in multiple fingers;

FIG. 4 is a graph of the Optical Density of a human hand versus thewavelength of the light;

FIG. 5A illustrates an optical fiber used to send light from a lightsource into a finger;

FIG. 5B illustrates an optical fiber used to send light exiting a fingerto a sensor;

FIG. 6A illustrates optical fibers used to send light from a lightsource into a finger and to send light exiting the finger to a sensorwith the finger bent;

FIG. 6B illustrates optical fibers used to send light from a lightsource into a finger and to send light exiting the finger to a sensorwith the finger straightened; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for determiningan angle of a joint in living tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for determining an angle of a joint in afinger, shown with the finger straightened. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the apparatus includes emitter 105, sensor 110, electronics module 120,connector 125, and glove 135. Electronics module 120 is coupled toemitter 105 and sensor 110 by connector 125. Electronics module 120provides power to and can communicate with emitter 105 and sensor 110via connector 125.

Glove 135 can provide a mechanical support and attachment for any ofelectronics module 120, emitter 105, sensor 110, and connector 125, suchthat these components will remain with glove 135 when removed from ahand, and that putting on glove 135 can cause these components to belocated at appropriate locations on the hand. Connector 125 can be twosets of wires, one set of wires coupling electronics module 120 toemitter 105, and a second set of wires coupling electronics module 120to sensor 110. Emitter 105 can be an infrared-spectrum light-emittingdiode (LED) and sensor 110 can be a sensor that senses the infraredlight emitted by an infrared-spectrum LED.

There are at least two methods of sending light through tissue, thetransmission method and the reflectance method. Sending light caninclude transmitting light, guiding light, conveying light, emittinglight, reflecting light, and/or carrying light. In the transmissionmethod, the emitter and sensor are placed on different locations on theskin with the tissue in between. The emitter can send light into thetissue at one point on the skin, the light passes through the tissue,and the sensor can receive the light exiting the tissue at a seconddifferent point on the skin. In the reflectance method, light emitted bythe emitter and sent into the tissue is reflected and scattered, and thesensor senses primarily this reflected and scattered light rather thanlight passing directly through the tissue. For example, light from anemitter can enter the tissue. The tissue and the skin on the other sideof the tissue can reflect and/or scatter the light. The sensor can beplaced such that it receives primarily the scattered and reflectedlight. One example of a placement where the sensor would utilize thereflectance method would be if the emitter and sensor were both placedat adjacent locations on the skin of a finger.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 can use both the transmission and reflectancemethods. For example, the movement of joint 130 changes the angle of thetop of finger 115 on either side of joint 130. When finger 115 isstraightened, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, the top of finger 115 runsparallel on both sides of joint 130. As finger 115 is bent, asillustrated in FIG. 2, an angle develops between the top of finger 115on either side of joint 130. If a person fully bends his or her finger,an angle of approximately 90 degrees is formed between the top of thefinger on either side of the joint.

Emitter 105, which can be a light source, can be placed on top of finger115 on one side of joint 130 and can introduce or send light into finger115 at a 45 degree angle towards joint 130. Light sources can includelight generation sources and/or light generation devices, among others.Introducing light into a finger can include sending the light into thefinger and/or causing the light to enter the finger. Sensor 110, whichcan be a light sensing device, can be placed on the top of finger 115 onthe other side of joint 130 angled to receive light at a 45 degree angletowards joint 130. When finger 115 is straightened, as is illustrated inFIG. 1, the emitter emits and sends light generally towards the bottomof finger 115 under joint 130 such that much of the light will exitfinger 115 on the bottom side of finger 115 approximately under joint130. However, per the discussion above related to the reflectancemethod, some of the light from emitter 105 will be scattered andreflected towards sensor 110, and sensor 110 can receive this scatteredand reflected light.

As finger 115 is bent at joint 130, as is illustrated in FIG. 2,increasing amounts of light emitted and sent by emitter 105 becomegenerally directed towards sensor 110. In addition to any light receivedby reflectance, increasing amounts of the light emitted and sent byemitter 105 will pass directly through the tissue to sensor 110 via thetransmission method due to the increasing bend of finger 115. Thisincreases the amount of the light from emitter 105 that is received bysensor 110. This change in the amount or intensity of the light sent byemitter 105 that is detected by sensor 110 can be used as an indirectway to determine the angle of joint 130. One method of determiningflexure of a joint is to determine the angle of a joint. As one havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate, determining flexure of ajoint can be done using methods other than determining the angle of thejoint. With emitter 105 and sensor 110 at 45 degree angles to the skintowards joint 130, as finger 115 is bent and joint 130 reaches 90degrees, emitter 105 and sensor 110 will become parallel (i.e. emitter105 will emit and send light at an angle parallel to the angle at whichsensor 110 is angled to receive light). While this embodiment utilizesan angle of 45 degrees, a person having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the apparatus of FIG. 1 can work with many other angles.

Further, transmission of light through living tissue, such as a finger,is affected by the characteristics of the skin and tissue through whichthe light passes. As the finger flexes and the joints of the fingerchange angle, the characteristics of the tissue or the skin between twopoints on the skin can change, and the position of bones in the tissuecan change, which can change the transmission of light between these twopoints. For example, the compression of the tissue can change, and,since the compression of tissue affects the transmission of lightthrough the tissue, the light transmission between the two points can beaffected. As another example, the tissue can deform as the fingerflexes, changing the distance and amount of tissue between the twopoints, which also affects transmission of light between the two points.These changes in characteristics and the associated changes in lighttransmission can also be used as an indirect way of determining theangle of the joint.

Living tissue has optical properties which are defined by varying ratesof absorption, attenuation, scattering, transmission, and reflection.Different imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography(OCT), laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and transmissive laser speckleimaging (TLSI) rely upon an understanding of these complex opticalproperties. The transmission of light into and through living tissue candepend on parameters such as the wavelength, intensity, and polarizationof the light, the coherence of the light source, and the tissuecompression, among others. The transmission can further depend onparameters and features of the tissues, such as pigmentation, fibroticstructure, hydration, composition, thickness, bone location andposition, and the surges in blood flow associated with heartbeats. Thetransmission can additionally depend on external factors such as thelocation of the light emitter and sensor relative to the tissue, and thepresence and characteristics of hair and clothing.

The graph of FIG. 4 illustrates the Optical Density of a human handversus the wavelength of the light. The Y-axis of this graph is theOptical Density, which reflects the transmission of light through ahuman hand. For example, an Optical Density of 3.5 corresponds to apercent transmission of light of about 0.5%. The X-axis of this graph isthe wavelength of the light. As can be seen from the graph of FIG. 4,the best transmission through a hand is approximately between lightwavelengths of 670 nm and 910 nm, and then from 1050 nm and up.

The light emitter and sensor can utilize various wavelengths of light,and even multiple wavelengths of light. An advantageous aspect ofinfrared wavelengths is that infrared wavelengths do not createdistracting visible light in dark environments. In some embodiments,emitter 105 emits and sends light of one wavelength, and sensor 110detects light of this same wavelength. As previously discussed, thecharacteristics of light sent into and through tissue, such as into andthrough finger 115, is affected by factors such as the tissuecompression and the deformation of the tissue and change in boneposition with finger flexing, among other factors. For example, thetransmission or attenuation of light through finger 115 can be affectedby the tissue compression of finger 115, or by the change in the amountof tissue between emitter 105 and sensor 110 that occurs when the tissuedeforms as finger 115 is flexed. Because of these effects, one or moreof the characteristics of the light that passes through finger 115, asdetermined using the readings of sensor 110, can be used to determinethe angle of joint 130 of finger 115.

In some embodiments, emitter 105 sends light of multiple wavelengths,and sensor 110 detects light of these same multiple wavelengths. In someembodiments, multiple emitters and sensors are used, with each emitterand sensor pair sending and receiving the same wavelength of light, thewavelength being different from other emitter sensor pairs. In thesemultiple wavelength embodiments, in addition to using the one or morecharacteristics of the light as is discussed above, the ratio betweenthese one or more characteristics of the light at these multiplewavelengths can be used to determine the angle of joint 130 of finger115. For example, if emitter 105 emits both red and infrared light andsends the light into tissue, the ratio of one or more characteristics ofthis light upon exit from the tissue, such as the transmission orattenuation though the tissue, can be determined. Using data captured bysensor 110, the transmission and attenuation of both the red light andthe infrared light exiting the tissue can be determined. The ratio ofthe two transmission values, or of the two attenuation values, can bedetermined and used to determine one or more characteristics of thetissue, such as the compression of the tissue of finger 115, which canbe used to determine the angle of joint 130 of finger 115.

FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus for determining an angle of a joint in afinger, shown with the finger bent. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theapparatus includes emitter 105, sensor 110, electronics module 120,connector 125, and glove 135. Electronics module 120 is coupled toemitter 105 and sensor 110 by connector 125. Electronics module 120provides power to and communicates with emitter 105 and sensor 110 viaconnector 125. Electronics module 120 can cause emitter 105 to sendlight into finger 115. Upon entering finger 115, some light can bescattered and reflected, and a portion of the scattered and reflectedlight exits finger 115 and is received by the sensor 110, as per theabove discussion of the reflection method. Some light can also passesthrough the tissue of finger 115 and be received by sensor 110, as perthe above discussion of the transmission method. The amount of lightsent by emitter 105 that is received by sensor 110 via the transmissionmethod increases as finger 115 goes from being straight to being fullybent. Sensor 110 communicates the sensor readings to electronics module120. Electronics module 120 includes a processor coupled to a memory, insome embodiments a non-volatile memory such as flash memory. Theprocessor can use the readings from sensor 110, along with otherinformation, to determine the angle of joint 130 of finger 115.

FIG. 3 illustrates an apparatus for determining angles of multiplejoints in multiple fingers. Depending on the intended application,angles of multiple joints on a finger or multiple fingers can bemeasured, with sensors and emitters on fingers as required. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, emitter 105A and sensor 110A measure the angle ofjoint 130A (the second joint) on finger 115A, while emitter 104A andsensor 109A measure the angle of the joint 129A (the first joint).Generally it is not necessary to measure the third joint of a givenfinger, for example joint 131A, as the angle of the third joint tends tobe linked to the angle of the second joint. The emitter/sensor pairs onfinger 115A are coupled by connector 125A to electronics module 120,which can provide power to and communicate with the emitters andsensors.

As further depicted in FIG. 3, joint 130B of finger 115B is measured byemitter 105B and sensor 110B, and is coupled by connector 125B toelectronics module 120, which can provide power to and communicate withthe emitter and sensor. It is readily apparent to one of ordinary skillthat additional sensor/emitter pairs can be placed to measure angles ofjoints in the thumb, finger 115C, and finger 115D, as the intendedapplication requires, at the expense of additional complexity and cost.

Upon entering finger 115A/115B, some light can be scattered andreflected, and a portion of the scattered and reflected light can exitfinger 115A/115B and be received by sensors 109A/110A and 110Brespectively, as per the above discussion of the reflection method. Somelight can also passes through the tissue of finger 115A/115B and can bereceived by sensors 109A/110A and 110B respectively, as per the abovediscussion of the transmission method. The amount of light sent byemitters 104A/105A and 105B that is received by sensors 109A/110A and110B respectively via the transmission method increases as finger115A/115B respectively goes from being straight to being fully bent.Sensors 109A/110A and 110B can communicate the sensor readings toelectronics module 120. Electronics module 120 can include a processorcoupled to memory. The processor can use the readings from sensors109A/110A and 110B, along with other information, to determine theangles of joints 129A/130A and 130B of finger 115A/115B respectively.

FIG. 5A illustrates an optical fiber used to send light from a lightsource into a finger at a first angle. In FIG. 1, emitter 105 can be thelight source, and the light source can be located at the point of entryor introduction of the light into finger 115. In the embodiment of FIG.5A, the light source is not located at the point of entry, but islocated remotely, for example in electronics module 120, and can be aninfrared-spectrum light-emitting diode (LED). An advantageous aspect ofthis configuration is that all electrical elements may be containedwithin a sealed compartment, such as within electronics module 120. Thelight is sent from the light source via emitter optical fiber 505 to thepoint of entry of the light into finger 115.

In some embodiments, the end of emitter optical fiber 505 is fitted intoend cap 506. End cap 506 contains collimating lens 507 and an angledreflective surface such that the light sent from the light source isreflected at a first angle (for example, 135 degrees) towards finger115. The reflected light passes through collimating lens 507 beforeexiting end cap 506. In some embodiments, the end of emitter opticalfiber 505 is turned and mechanically held at the first angle such thatthe light sent from the light source passes through a collimating lensand enters finger 115 at an appropriate angle.

Some applications require the measure of joint angles in harshenvironments. For example, an application may measure joint angles withthe hand immersed in water. With all electrical elements contained in asealed compartment, the hand can be placed in a harsh environment, suchas water, with higher robustness and reliability than an apparatus formeasuring a joint angle where electrical components, such as electricalconnectors, sensors, and emitters, may be immersed. Further, electronicsmodule 120 can be located such that it is not immersed in water duringtypical usage, further increasing the robustness and reliability ofmeasuring joint angles in harsh environments.

FIG. 5B illustrates an optical fiber used to receive and send lightexiting a finger to a sensor. In some embodiments, the end of sensoroptical fiber 510 is turned and mechanically held at a second angle (forexample 45 degrees) such that reflected light exiting finger 115 at thesecond angle enters angled end 511 of sensor optical fiber 510 throughcollimating lens 512. The light received by sensor optical fiber 510 canthen be sent by sensor optical fiber 510 to, for example, a sensorlocated in electronics module 120. In some embodiments, the end ofsensor optical fiber 510 is fitted into an end cap containing acollimating lens and an angled surface such that the light exitingfinger 115 is received and directed into sensor optical fiber 510. Thelight received by the sensor optical fiber 510 can then be sent by thefiber to, for example, a sensor located in electronics module 120.

FIG. 6A illustrates optical fibers used to send light from a lightsource into a finger and to send light exiting the finger to a sensorwith the finger bent. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the apparatus includesemitter optical fiber 505, sensor optical fiber 510, and glove 135.Glove 135 can provide mechanical support for emitter optical fiber 505and sensor optical fiber 510, such that the fibers will remain withglove 135 when removed from a hand, and the fibers will be placed atappropriate locations on the hand when glove 135 is worn.

The apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6B functions similarly to the apparatus ofFIG. 1. For example, similar to FIG. 1, the movement of joint 130changes the angle of the top of finger 115 on either side of joint 130.When finger 115 is straightened, as is illustrated in FIG. 6B, the topof finger 115 runs parallel on both sides of joint 130. As finger 115 isbent, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, an angle develops between the top offinger 115 on either side of joint 130. If a person fully bends his orher finger, an angle of approximately 90 degrees is formed between thetop of the finger on either side of the joint.

Emitter optical fiber 505 can be placed on top of finger 115 on one sideof joint 130. Light from a light source can be sent through emitteroptical fiber 505 and turned at a 45 degree angle towards joint 130 byend cap 506. Sensor optical fiber 510 can be placed on the top of finger115 on the other side of joint 130, with angled end 511 angled toreceive light at a 45 degree angle from joint 130. When finger 115 isstraightened, as is illustrated in FIG. 6B, the light exits emitteroptical fiber 505 at an angle generally towards the bottom of joint 130such that much of the light will exit the bottom of finger 115, reducingthe light reaching sensor optical fiber 510. Sensor optical fiber 510sends this received light to a sensor at the other end of the fiber,which may for example be housed in electronics module 120. While thisembodiment utilizes an angle of 45 degrees, a person having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6Bcan work with many other angles.

As finger 115 is bent at joint 130, as is illustrated in FIG. 6A,increasing amounts of light exiting emitter optical fiber 505 becomedirected generally towards angled end 511 of sensor optical fiber 510.In addition to any light received by reflectance, as finger 115 is bentsuch that the angle of joint 130 approaches 90 degrees, increasingamounts of the light exiting emitter optical fiber 505 will be sentdirectly through the tissue of finger 115 to the end of sensor opticalfiber 510. The increased intensity of the light thus detected by thesensor at the other end of sensor optical fiber 510 can be used as anindirect means to determine the angle of joint 130.

While optical fiber is used in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, anyclear medium capable of sending light can similarly be used. An opticalfiber is a clear medium which can be flexible. An advantageous aspect ofthis technology is to provide an alternative to electromechanicalmethods that use wires and other components that can break with repeatedflexing and pressure. Replacing the wires and other components of theelectromechanical method with such a medium can enable higherreliability and improved robustness. For example, this replacement ofthe wires can enable locating all electronics in a sealed containerwhere the electronics can be protected from the environment. Further,optical fibers do not have to be electromagnetically shielded.

Additionally, since the light can be sent over the clear medium, thesealed container containing the electronics can be located away from thejoint. For example, the electronics container can be placed on the backof the hand or even further up the arm away from the finger joint. Thiscan enable improved performance in harsh environments, as theelectronics can be kept away and protected from the harsh environment.For example, an application may measure joint angles with the handimmersed in water. Being able to locate the electronics in a sealedcontainer located away from the joint allows the electronics to be keptout of the water. The sealed container can further protect theelectronics if any splashing of the water may happen, or can evenprotect the electronics sufficiently to enable full immersion in water.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for determiningflexure of a joint in living tissue. In accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention, the method illustrated in FIG. 7 can beperformed using the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 as well as theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The following description ofFIG. 7 will be described with the method applied to the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A/6B. This is done with the intent ofmaking the description of the method easier to follow.

Step 705 calibrates an apparatus based at least in part on one or morecharacteristics of light exiting living tissue. Steps 710, 715, 712,725, and 730 are one set of steps that perform the calibration of step705.

Step 710 senses a first light level while an appendage is in astraightened position. Referring to FIG. 1, emitter 105, controlled byelectronics module 120, sends light into finger 115. Some of the lightsent into finger 115 exits finger 115 and is received and sensed bysensor 110. Sensor 110 senses a first light level while finger 115 is inthe straightened position.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, a light sourcecontrolled by an electronics module can send light into one end ofemitter optical fiber 505, which can send the light into finger 115.Some of the light sent into finger 115 exits finger 115 and is receivedby sensor optical fiber 510, which sends the light to a sensor. Thesensor can sense a first light level while finger 115 is in thestraightened position.

Step 715 senses a second light level while the appendage is in a bentposition. Referring to FIG. 1, emitter 105, controlled by electronicsmodule 120, sends light into finger 115, and some of the light sent intofinger 115 exits finger 115 and is received and sensed by sensor 110.Sensor 110 senses a second light level while finger 115 is in the bentposition.

Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, a lightgeneration source controlled by an electronics module can generate lightand send the light into one end of emitter optical fiber 505, which cansend the light into finger 115. Some of the light sent into finger 115exits finger 115 and is received by sensor optical fiber 510 and sent toa sensor, which can sense a second light level while finger 115 is inthe bent position.

Step 720 senses an ambient light level while a light generation deviceis not generating any light. Using the embodiment of FIG. 1 as anexample, finger 115 can be the appendage. Emitter 105, controlled byelectronics module 120, is turned off and is not sending any light intofinger 115. Sensor 110 senses an ambient light level while emitter 105is turned off.

Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, finger 115can be the appendage. A light generation source controlled by anelectronics module is turned off and is not sending any light intoemitter optical fiber 505. Ambient light is received by sensor opticalfiber 510 and can be sent to a sensor, which can sense an ambient lightlevel while the light generation source is turned off.

Step 725 senses an intermediate light level while the appendage is in aposition between the straightened position and the bent position. Usingthe embodiment of FIG. 1 as an example, finger 115 can be the appendage.FIG. 1 depicts finger 115 in a straightened position and FIG. 2 depictsfinger 115 in a bent position. Finger 115 is in an intermediate positionbetween the straightened position and the bent position. Emitter 105,controlled by electronics module 120, sends light into finger 115, andsome of the light sent into finger 115 exits finger 115 and is receivedand sensed by sensor 110. Sensor 110 senses an intermediate light levelwhile finger 115 is in the intermediate position.

Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, finger 115can be the appendage. FIG. 6B depicts finger 115 in a straightenedposition and FIG. 6A depicts finger 115 in a bent position. Finger 115is in an intermediate position between the straightened position and thebent position. A light generation source controlled by an electronicsmodule can generate light and send the light into emitter optical fiber505, which can send the light into finger 115. Some of the light sentinto finger 115 exits finger 115 and is received and sent to a sensor bysensor optical fiber 510. The sensor can sense an intermediate lightlevel while finger 115 is in the intermediate position.

Step 730 computes a correlation between flexure of a joint and thereceived light. Using the embodiment of FIG. 1 as an example, electronicmodule 120 can include a processor coupled to memory. The one or morecharacteristics of light exiting the living tissue can be a light levelsensed by sensor 110, the sensed light sent by emitter 105. Theprocessor can compute a function, such as a curve, to estimate flexureof joint 130 based on two or more of the light levels, also referred toas light intensities, sensed during steps 710, 715, 720, and 725. Theprocessor, configured to perform step 730 via instructions stored in thememory, the instructions containing information regarding the flexure ofjoint 130 during steps 710, 715, 720, and 725, can use this flexure ofjoint 130 information and the light intensities sensed during steps 710,715, 720, and 725 to compute a function approximating the flexure ofjoint 130 at other light intensities.

Step 735 introduces light into living tissue. Using the embodiment ofFIG. 1 as an example, the living tissue can be finger 115. An emitter,such as emitter 105 controlled by electronics module 120, emits andsends light into finger 115, thereby introducing light into the livingtissue of finger 115. Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as asecond example, the living tissue can be finger 115. A light generationsource controlled by an electronics module can generate and send lightinto one end of emitter optical fiber 505, which can send the light intofinger 115, thereby introducing the light into the living tissue offinger 115.

Step 740 receives the light exiting the living tissue. Using theembodiment of FIG. 1 as an example, the living tissue can be finger 115.Emitter 105, controlled by electronics module 120, sends light intofinger 115, and some of the light sent into finger 115 exits finger 115and is received and sensed by sensor 110. Sensor 110 receives the lightexiting the living tissue.

Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, the livingtissue can be finger 115. A light generation source controlled by anelectronics module can generate light and send the light into one end ofemitter optical fiber 505, which can send the light into finger 115.Some of the light sent into finger 115 exits finger 115 and is receivedand sent by sensor optical fiber 510 to a sensor, where the light isreceived and sensed by the sensor.

Step 745 determines flexure of a joint based at least in part on one ormore characteristics of the received light. One method of determiningflexure of a joint is to determine the angle of a joint. As one havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate, determining flexure of ajoint can be done using methods other than determining the angle of thejoint. The one or more characteristics of the received light can includean intensity of the received light. Step 750 is one embodiment thatperforms the determination of step 745.

Step 750 computes the flexure of the joint based at least in part on thecomputed correlation. Using the embodiment of FIG. 1 as an example,electronics module 120 can include a processor coupled to memory. Thecomputed correlation can be the computed correlation of step 730. Sensor110 at step 740 receives and senses the intensity of the light. Theprocessor can determine the flexure of joint 130 based on the sensedintensity of the light by computing the flexure of joint 130 based atleast in part on the computed correlation of step 730.

Using the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B as a second example, anelectronics module can be coupled to optical emitter fiber 605 andsensor optical fiber 510. The electronics module can include a processorand a memory with the processor coupled to emitter optical fiber 505 andsensor optical fiber 510 (i.e. the processor is coupled to a lightsource and the light source is coupled to emitter optical fiber 505,therefore the processor is coupled to emitter optical fiber 505 via thelight source). The computed correlation can be the computed correlationof step 730. Sensor optical fiber 510 receives the light exiting theliving tissue and sends the light to a sensor, which senses theintensity of the light. The processor can determine the flexure of joint130 based on the sensed intensity of the light by computing the flexureof joint 130 based at least in part on the computed correlation of step730.

Although the present invention is described herein with reference to thepreferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat other applications may be substituted for those set forth hereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention should only be limited by the Claimsincluded below.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for determining flexure of a jointin tissue comprising: a light source configured to introduce light intosaid tissue proximate to the joint; a light sensing device configured toreceive said light exiting said tissue proximate to the joint; and aprocessing device configured to: determine a characteristic of saidreceived light exiting said tissue, and determine said flexure of saidjoint based on the characteristic of said received light exiting saidtissue.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the characteristic relatesto a change in optical density of said received light resulting fromsaid flexure of said joint.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first optical fiber configured to send said light fromsaid light source to a point of introduction of said light into saidtissue; and a second optical fiber configured to send said light from apoint of exit of said light from said tissue to said light sensingdevice.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a supportingobject configured to provide mechanical support for at least a portionof said apparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said supportingobject is a glove configured to be worn by a human hand, wherein saidtissue comprises said human hand, and wherein said portion of saidapparatus for which said glove provides said mechanical support is atleast said first optical fiber and said second optical fiber.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source is configured to belocated at a point of introduction of said light into said tissue, andwherein said light sensing device is configured to be located at a pointof exit of said light from said tissue.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a supporting object that is a glove configured to beworn by a human hand, wherein said tissue comprises said human hand, andwherein said portion of said apparatus for which said glove isconfigured to provide mechanical support that is at least said lightsource and said light sensing device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,further comprising: a supporting object that is a body suit configuredto be worn by a human, and wherein said tissue comprises the body ofsaid human.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the characteristicincludes an intensity of said light after exiting said tissue.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said light source generatesinfrared-spectrum light, and wherein said light sensing device receivesinfrared-spectrum light.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidlight source is an infrared-spectrum light-emitting diode (LED).
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said configuration of said processingdevice to determine said flexure further includes configuration todetermine an angle of said joint.
 13. A processor circuit configured todetermine a first characteristic of light exiting tissue proximate to ajoint, and configured to determine a first position of the joint basedon the first characteristics of the light exiting the tissue proximateto the joint.
 14. The processor circuit of claim 13, wherein the firstcharacteristic of the light includes an intensity of the light exitingthe tissue proximate to the joint.
 15. The processor circuit of claim13, wherein the first characteristic of the light includes a first lightintensity, and the processor is configured to determine a secondcharacteristic of light exiting the tissue including a second lightintensity, the first light intensity corresponding to the firstposition, and the second light intensity corresponding to a secondposition of the joint, the first position and the second position beingdifferent.
 16. The processor circuit of claim 15, wherein thecharacteristics relates to a change in optical density of the light. 17.A method, comprising, introducing first light into tissue proximate to ajoint; receiving second light related to the first light exiting thetissue proximate to the joint; determining a characteristic of thesecond light; and determining a flexure of the joint based on thecharacteristic of the second light.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe characteristic of the second light includes a change in opticaldensity between the second light and the first light.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the characteristic of the second light includes lightintensity of the second light.
 20. The method of claim 17, whereindetermining the flexure includes determining an angle of the joint.